geriatric nurse practioners

[shelbee1084]

I am interested in eventually becoming a geriatric nurse practitioner. Most ppl think I'm weird when I say this because hardly anyone in my class as the desire to work in a nursing home after graduating. I was curious as to whether or not a geriatric nurse practitoner can become one by just completing an adult nurse practitioners program or if it is a requirement to also post-masters certificate that specializes in geriatric patients?? anyone with any information would be great! I know that they have nurse practitioner programs that specialize in geriatrics, but there aren't any around where I live. just post-masters certificates.

[pro_student_2010]

Adult nurse practitioners are able to treat adults including older adult (aka geros). If you wanted to practice as a geriatric nurse practitioner you certainly could do so with you ANP. The ANCC also has instituted a mechanism by which ACNPs, ANPs, and FNPs can become certified as GNPs. You would need 2000 clinical practice hours with older adults and 75 education hours in gerontological topics (the have a specific breakdown). Having you initial certification as an ANP would also give you much more flexibility if you ever decide to try something else or want to move around a bit. It might also be more attractive to employers although geriatirc clinicians might be high demand in your area.

[BarbaraNP]

Another thought...in your ANP program, you can do lots of gero. You can also focus on gero in your CE once you have your ANP.

I agree that with an ANP you will be far more flexible. I started about as GNP and went back to get FNP. Not to work with kids (I don't), but because I wanted to work with adults of all ages, AND have flexibility. My practice now is adults, with a heavy load of gero. Keep in mind too...younger folks are being admitted to LTC...being an ANP will allow you to see some of the young ones.

When I got interested in gero, my coworkers in critical care (where I had been for 15 yrs as CCRN) thought I had lost it and "failed". They could not be further from the truth. It takes great skill to be able to diagnosis and treat, problem solve and support patients, family and staff.

The furture of GNPs is bright. You can work in LTC, Assisted Living, House call practices, and private offices to name a few. You can work for someone, or for yourself. The shortage in this specialty area is severe.

If you enjoy gero...go for it. Don't mind your classmates...it's your work, you life. Do what gives you joy.

HTH,

BarbaraNP

GNP 1988

FNP 1998